Proverbs 25
1 These too are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied.
2 It is God's glory to conceal a matter; it is the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
3 The heavens in their height, the earth in its depth, and the hearts of kings cannot be fathomed.
4 Remove the dross from silver, and a vessel comes out for the silversmith.
5 Remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself before the king; do not stand in the place of the great.
7 For it is better for you to be told, “Come up here,” than to be humbled before a nobleman your eyes have seen.
8 Do not rush into a dispute; otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor, but do not reveal another person's secret.
10 So that whoever hears will not shame you, and your bad reputation will not fade away.
11 Golden apples in silver settings: that is a word spoken at the right time.
12 A gold ring and an ornament of fine gold: that is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master's life.
14 Clouds and wind without rain: that is someone who boasts of a gift he never gave.
15 With patience a ruler can be persuaded; a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, or you will be filled with it and vomit.
17 Make your visits to your neighbor's house infrequent, or he will grow tired of you and hate you.
18 A hammer, a sword, and a sharp arrow: that is a person who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
19 A broken tooth and a slipping foot: that is trust in a traitor in a day of trouble.
20 Taking off a garment on a cold day, vinegar poured on soda: that is someone who sings songs to a sad heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will repay you.
23 The north wind brings rain; a tongue that speaks in secret brings angry faces.
24 Better to live in a corner of the rooftop than to share a house with a quarrelsome woman.
25 Cold water to a weary throat: that is good news from a distant land.
26 A polluted spring and a ruined fountain: that is a righteous person who falters before the wicked.
27 Eating too much honey is not good, and searching out their glory is no glory.
28 A city broken into, without a wall: that is a person who cannot control his own spirit.
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